Random thought, I've been here for 7 years and Average temperature is around 45--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $989 for rent here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Appreciate any input. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
25 upvotes
14 Replies
dallasmama2026
Can confirm, been here 1 years.
39 upvotes
Aurora P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in education. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
mateo_heart
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in finance. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Caleb Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 50, moved here 15 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Sunset and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Austin, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
28 upvotes
Thomas
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The outdoor recreation is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Luke Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 56, moved here 8 years ago from LA. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
26 upvotes
Aiden Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 13 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Jose Wood
Came here for weather and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The school system is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Wesley Mitchell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Nashville about 9 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Delilah Garcia
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Eastside area are solid. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Evelyn C.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor recreation is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
David Hill
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
All Countries
